tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32573872859037603722024-03-13T06:25:46.709-05:00Leslie and Lew's LifeA blog about the daily life of Brian, Leslie, Jackson, Charles and Henry Lewallen.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-56231463897056511902011-03-09T19:43:00.003-06:002011-03-09T19:57:11.538-06:00A Time to Refocus--LentI stopped blogging in June when our laptop crashed. Ugh. It was so convienent! I have much to update and lots of photos to download...but that will all have to wait.<br /><br />Today is Ash Wednesday and for Lent I have decided to give up my "me time". Instead, I have outlined specific areas to be cleaned/organized for each of the 40 days. My goal is to set aside 15 minutes to clean, declutter, organize and toss/donate items that are no longer useful or required. <br /><br />Today I cleaned the basement toys. Two garbage bags and several hours later...the task was complete. At least for a few minutes. I doubt they will miss the tiny lego pieces or decapitated action figures -- but I will definately notice not having to incessantly pick up tiny pieces here and there throughout the day.<br /><br />As I cleaned the basement, I noticed how items seem to metriculate thoughout the house. "Basement toys" seemed to be everywhere. In my room, in the bathrooms, in junk drawers and laundry baskets. Today, these toys found their home...or they found themselves in the trash.<br /><br />My cleaning got me to thinking about "stuff". The "stuff" we acquire and think or believe we cannot part with. The "stuff" that we think about our "stuff" and the time spent cleaning and organizing our "stuff". Hopefully, by the end of Lent, we will not have as much "stuff". I will deal not only with the junk we have acquired, by my feelings associated with said stuff/junk. A physical, spiritual and emotional cleanse so-to-speak. <br /><br />Tomorrow I tackle my closet and the finanical/emotional thoughts that seem to attach to my clothing.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-24300421582606995522010-06-23T07:41:00.001-05:002010-06-23T07:41:06.494-05:00Charlie’s 2nd birthday<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIAy_1xURI/AAAAAAAAAxw/bwcio2CfH0k/s1600-h/DSC_1658%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1658" border="0" alt="DSC_1658" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIAzDs0EgI/AAAAAAAAAx0/Y2hXgn3tiYM/DSC_1658_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIAzaAcBlI/AAAAAAAAAx4/3wd0B_xRFak/s1600-h/DSC_1656%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1656" border="0" alt="DSC_1656" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIAz4FadKI/AAAAAAAAAx8/NM1JCnyDOhY/DSC_1656_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIA0IstSaI/AAAAAAAAAyA/PFo69IwWwis/s1600-h/DSC_1664%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1664" border="0" alt="DSC_1664" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIA0fd2T5I/AAAAAAAAAyE/6_YB1HPupPM/DSC_1664_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIA0zGlP0I/AAAAAAAAAyI/WQlqTIGci8U/s1600-h/DSC_1674%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1674" border="0" alt="DSC_1674" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIA1ECmlXI/AAAAAAAAAyM/wCYkUcQ7zIw/DSC_1674_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIA1TkziHI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/ShJwqH9Ihls/s1600-h/DSC_1677%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1677" border="0" alt="DSC_1677" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIA14LixyI/AAAAAAAAAyU/rM7LSrnEkmw/DSC_1677_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIA2L0IUPI/AAAAAAAAAyY/dIV8b1DgOLM/s1600-h/DSC_1680%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1680" border="0" alt="DSC_1680" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIA2VV2xCI/AAAAAAAAAyc/QZXvMOIp1wo/DSC_1680_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> io</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIA2mvHqBI/AAAAAAAAAyg/RGgru0BRxS8/s1600-h/DSC_1688%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1688" border="0" alt="DSC_1688" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIA278edUI/AAAAAAAAAyk/9uE_JNgwFVw/DSC_1688_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a>  </p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIA4LfTn6I/AAAAAAAAAyo/cwUM0NQFsbc/s1600-h/DSC_1690%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1690" border="0" alt="DSC_1690" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCIA4Tbo7TI/AAAAAAAAAys/5KXz2DPEFCE/DSC_1690_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-41168732550261754452010-06-23T07:34:00.001-05:002010-06-23T07:34:09.737-05:00Sherbert “Bert” and 7th Birthday fun<p> </p> <p>Jackson got a kitty for his birthday!  Here are “Bert’s” first pictures. He’s a sweet little kitty with some spunk – he’ll fit right in with all the boys.</p> <p> Jackson also swam in a swim meet on his birthday, and then came home to open a few more gifts.  What a great birthday!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_J8NZIwI/AAAAAAAAAwo/up2KOCbIrew/s1600-h/DSC_1755%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1755" border="0" alt="DSC_1755" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_KEOLDYI/AAAAAAAAAws/RvRUXgcQyB4/DSC_1755_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_KlPY-yI/AAAAAAAAAww/pxrP02YTgN0/s1600-h/DSC_1760%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1760" border="0" alt="DSC_1760" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_KysrrFI/AAAAAAAAAw0/4oIU-bKXY-s/DSC_1760_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_LebXTKI/AAAAAAAAAw4/TkgVcuFnEs0/s1600-h/DSC_1765%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1765" border="0" alt="DSC_1765" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_Lpef79I/AAAAAAAAAw8/v9I6KqAhYvY/DSC_1765_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_L3GiIJI/AAAAAAAAAxA/uKgOSvyoua4/s1600-h/DSC_1766%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1766" border="0" alt="DSC_1766" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_MOUQNnI/AAAAAAAAAxE/Vo7GxVW2JGU/DSC_1766_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_MjfaqhI/AAAAAAAAAxI/Uc7cZbVXxc0/s1600-h/DSC_1786%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1786" border="0" alt="DSC_1786" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_NFqvNAI/AAAAAAAAAxM/SzZqOKv7y6A/DSC_1786_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_NTMwE-I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/U55WqoN9HgE/s1600-h/DSC_1788%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1788" border="0" alt="DSC_1788" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_Nse4EZI/AAAAAAAAAxU/4Y7F5nHHY3M/DSC_1788_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_N80GoUI/AAAAAAAAAxY/eNebqe1VV84/s1600-h/DSC_1791%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1791" border="0" alt="DSC_1791" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_OeEwFfI/AAAAAAAAAxc/OYdUS8icqeA/DSC_1791_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_Ou2YzmI/AAAAAAAAAxg/uMVyD9dXwxw/s1600-h/DSC_1794%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1794" border="0" alt="DSC_1794" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_PV_jzVI/AAAAAAAAAxk/iDHy3_V5vVU/DSC_1794_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_Pw7nvrI/AAAAAAAAAxo/GZpPfeLojsI/s1600-h/DSC_1800%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1800" border="0" alt="DSC_1800" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH_QUXB1oI/AAAAAAAAAxs/Qn3vivIvAWQ/DSC_1800_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-67355085749031551022010-06-23T07:23:00.001-05:002010-06-23T07:23:25.140-05:00Jackson’s 7th Birthday – Cowboy Style!<p>We survived Jackson’s 7th birthday party!  23 kids helped us celebrate cowboy style with piñata, bandanas, western boot cake, badges and fun.  </p> <p>It was a hot steamy day peppered with thunderstorms.  Luckily, the skies cleared enough for us to enjoy games and food outside before moving indoors to open gifts and watch a movie.</p> <p>Enjoy the pictures!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8j9m66GI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/hwR-S7G2iG8/s1600-h/DSC_1702%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1702" border="0" alt="DSC_1702" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8ld-NXmI/AAAAAAAAAvU/q9FiUvARQuk/DSC_1702_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8m0PlteI/AAAAAAAAAvY/FvfpsrtTL_s/s1600-h/DSC_1708%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1708" border="0" alt="DSC_1708" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8nz-VcSI/AAAAAAAAAvc/tKy8nRP3onE/DSC_1708_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8ommFLhI/AAAAAAAAAvg/ua7BLQY3Oto/s1600-h/DSC_1713%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1713" border="0" alt="DSC_1713" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8pVpeaDI/AAAAAAAAAvk/0Y1P23blODU/DSC_1713_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8qAA8OlI/AAAAAAAAAvo/wyFTae-Qnto/s1600-h/DSC_1717%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1717" border="0" alt="DSC_1717" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8qj60c_I/AAAAAAAAAvs/CnZ11K7hZN0/DSC_1717_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8q8yYrrI/AAAAAAAAAvw/BY8IX07Tln0/s1600-h/DSC_1719%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1719" border="0" alt="DSC_1719" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8rATn_QI/AAAAAAAAAv0/S3kr9d7d9tA/DSC_1719_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8rdLxQ6I/AAAAAAAAAv4/uqnHKKIs8dk/s1600-h/DSC_1720%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1720" border="0" alt="DSC_1720" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8rlhDLMI/AAAAAAAAAv8/gJoIrxGgVNo/DSC_1720_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8sHChpdI/AAAAAAAAAwA/yzfWQVOMYoU/s1600-h/DSC_1724%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1724" border="0" alt="DSC_1724" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8snoWxsI/AAAAAAAAAwE/WbZpIp-1UKA/DSC_1724_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8szIY1KI/AAAAAAAAAwI/zodjRTbo2fg/s1600-h/DSC_1729%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1729" border="0" alt="DSC_1729" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8tK_3YsI/AAAAAAAAAwM/ReUZY8ePFz0/DSC_1729_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8td7mEeI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/01XHwhoR-4Y/s1600-h/DSC_1731%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1731" border="0" alt="DSC_1731" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8t5j7CAI/AAAAAAAAAwU/gLdJkl6pWIQ/DSC_1731_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8uGXmtEI/AAAAAAAAAwY/mBxaEzvszBA/s1600-h/DSC_1742%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1742" border="0" alt="DSC_1742" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8upkrmmI/AAAAAAAAAwc/Cpf-eXHFD8Y/DSC_1742_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8uz8UWEI/AAAAAAAAAwg/vvdeoKlt_Rc/s1600-h/DSC_1743%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1743" border="0" alt="DSC_1743" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TCH8vPUBlzI/AAAAAAAAAwk/g185EVdT_94/DSC_1743_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a></p> Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-78867252187854759412010-05-31T09:16:00.001-05:002010-05-31T09:16:08.870-05:00Memorial Day Fishing at MHCC<p>Mt. Hawley Country Club has some fun family events over the summer holidays.  The golf course sports a big pond with a fountain, which they stock full of fish.  </p> <p>On Memorial Day, they open up the pond for fishing at 6:30 in the morning.  </p> <p>We got lucky today!  Not only did Charlie catch a fish on his very first try, but Jackson won the grand-prize by catching a huge catfish weighing in over 5 lbs. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TAPElDLP4oI/AAAAAAAAAuY/4YouhB1qAtI/s1600-h/DSC_1644%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1644" border="0" alt="DSC_1644" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TAPElbqlKJI/AAAAAAAAAuc/kpkSrGAM1A8/DSC_1644_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Jackson—the grand-prize winner!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TAPElinrTAI/AAAAAAAAAug/Z9XCftGfDPE/s1600-h/DSC_1642%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1642" border="0" alt="DSC_1642" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TAPElz4z0wI/AAAAAAAAAuk/OpBkaAJF_UU/DSC_1642_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p>Jackson receiving the big prize!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TAPEm9Cax0I/AAAAAAAAAuo/E4eM6cQiJi8/s1600-h/DSC_1639%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1639" border="0" alt="DSC_1639" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TAPEnOjTNHI/AAAAAAAAAus/BrWN1VzKckg/DSC_1639_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p>Charlie’s fish.  He was very excited!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TAPEnn3pWHI/AAAAAAAAAuw/8P0K5x6Q_Hs/s1600-h/DSC_1633%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1633" border="0" alt="DSC_1633" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TAPEn2zxndI/AAAAAAAAAu0/MgPDhaeqyCQ/DSC_1633_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TAPEoCIdIhI/AAAAAAAAAu4/jDmHlps9QsQ/s1600-h/DSC_1624%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1624" border="0" alt="DSC_1624" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TAPEofriAWI/AAAAAAAAAu8/7KvFiacJ8I8/DSC_1624_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p>Henry – not in the mix…yet.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TAPEpC7JbuI/AAAAAAAAAvA/dofMgSRJyKQ/s1600-h/DSC_1641%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1641" border="0" alt="DSC_1641" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TAPEpfQgFqI/AAAAAAAAAvE/I3Y8-6ebWLs/DSC_1641_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <p>The “big” fish.  The line actually broke and Brian grabbed it with his bare hands.</p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TAPEpgJtpLI/AAAAAAAAAvI/xpOOWUGlQY0/s1600-h/DSC_1620%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1620" border="0" alt="DSC_1620" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/TAPEp1TBPBI/AAAAAAAAAvM/cnli7AJlGSQ/DSC_1620_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Beautiful morning at Mt. Hawley!  Happy Memorial Day!</p> Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-26474632397760401272010-05-25T19:07:00.001-05:002010-05-25T19:07:36.548-05:00Peoria Photo Shoot<p> A few weeks ago I had Nellie take pictures of the boys.  <a href="http://www.nellie-photography.com">http://www.nellie-photography.com</a>.  We got very lucky.  It had rained non-stop for several days.  I’m not sure how I got them all dressed, fed and out the door in less than 1/2--but I did my best!  Our location was still a bit soggy, and Charlie kept trying to run away, but it all turned out.  </p> <p>I was just happy that Henry didn’t sleep through the session.  Charlie, however, was in a “mood” and Jackson was hamming it up as always.  Enjoy! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S_xmNxrMI6I/AAAAAAAAAtw/3wJuFjx0184/s1600-h/31985_426954385498_69893970498_6104579_8044750_n%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="31985_426954385498_69893970498_6104579_8044750_n" border="0" alt="31985_426954385498_69893970498_6104579_8044750_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S_xmOoUjcRI/AAAAAAAAAt0/APPxYbm7KiA/31985_426954385498_69893970498_6104579_8044750_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a>   </p> <p>Some friends and neighbors recently started making custom shirts:  <a href="http://www.sewmicheen.blogspot.com">http://www.sewmicheen.blogspot.com</a>.  Jackson is sporting his cute Burberry plaid pocket/initial shirt.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S_xmO0Otv4I/AAAAAAAAAt4/h9QFMM8g8fg/s1600-h/31985_426954365498_69893970498_6104577_1581394_n%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="31985_426954365498_69893970498_6104577_1581394_n" border="0" alt="31985_426954365498_69893970498_6104577_1581394_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S_xmPGipHTI/AAAAAAAAAt8/elfL9Zvtoeg/31985_426954365498_69893970498_6104577_1581394_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Henry was still a bit sleepy, but managed to smile when I held him.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S_xmPoKd8MI/AAAAAAAAAuA/y-zRuVRhRZE/s1600-h/31985_426954420498_69893970498_6104582_4960213_n%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="31985_426954420498_69893970498_6104582_4960213_n" border="0" alt="31985_426954420498_69893970498_6104582_4960213_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S_xmQKX0p3I/AAAAAAAAAuE/apicL_TsdVw/31985_426954420498_69893970498_6104582_4960213_n_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p>Charlie, who is normally all smiles, was much more interested in playing on the playground than posing for pictures. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S_xmQs77O2I/AAAAAAAAAuI/hD0PVCTaweQ/s1600-h/31985_426954380498_69893970498_6104578_2843027_n%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="31985_426954380498_69893970498_6104578_2843027_n" border="0" alt="31985_426954380498_69893970498_6104578_2843027_n" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S_xmRFPeYTI/AAAAAAAAAuM/G7Vhg52FIPo/31985_426954380498_69893970498_6104578_2843027_n_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>The boys!  I’m not quite sure why Henry’s hair looked like a mohawk…but it does that on occassion, so at least we captured his appearance authentically.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S_xmRbNHh2I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/1ehm6bIAoe0/s1600-h/31985_426954390498_69893970498_6104580_2324418_n%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="31985_426954390498_69893970498_6104580_2324418_n" border="0" alt="31985_426954390498_69893970498_6104580_2324418_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S_xmR9zefEI/AAAAAAAAAuU/C005WruF3S4/31985_426954390498_69893970498_6104580_2324418_n_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Henry’s “H” shirt.  He’s still not sitting up on his own, so I had to help.</p> Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-29081933109223677432010-05-09T18:49:00.001-05:002010-05-09T18:52:19.590-05:00Mother’s Day 2010<p>My first mother’s day as a mom of three!  We had a moment to capture a picture before heading out to Mass, lunch and a movie.   </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S-dKM2J3lYI/AAAAAAAAAto/KXEDWd0RCFI/s1600-h/DSC_1551%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1551" border="0" alt="DSC_1551" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S-dKNK5eMhI/AAAAAAAAAts/sXSiMqz2jSU/DSC_1551_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> </p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S-dJ_igoFrI/AAAAAAAAAtg/xoUOwjA_mxI/s1600-h/DSC_1542%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1542" border="0" alt="DSC_1542" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S-dJ_xRhf-I/AAAAAAAAAtk/N7M6gQMHBVY/DSC_1542_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-90911661884927472442010-04-25T19:37:00.001-05:002010-04-25T19:37:35.923-05:00Henry Thatcher – 5 months<p>All smiles and giggles…and growing! </p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S9TgTV_SXrI/AAAAAAAAAtY/hftGH0ByQV0/s1600-h/DSC_1508%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1508" border="0" alt="DSC_1508" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S9TgTwv0TcI/AAAAAAAAAtc/y9o1ELia4SQ/DSC_1508_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-45329381726210799402010-04-25T19:36:00.001-05:002010-04-25T19:36:23.482-05:00Snips and snails and…boots<p>Apparently my boys love boots.  Jackson has wanted to put on his cowboy boots any chance he can get (out of school) since he got them.  And Charlie…well…Charlie seems obsessed with his rain boots.  He says: “boots” all the time.  The other day I put him down for a nap and removed his tennis shoes.  When I got him up, he had found his rain boots and they were on!  </p> <p>I love the following picture.  Jackson is “helping” Charlie (with no pants on?) up the tree.  As a side note…I found my first tick on Charlie soon after.  One of the charms of living in the Midwest.  Anyway…pull up your boots!  The Lewallen boys are in town! </p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S9TgBE_4HtI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/6ud2rPUh5sc/s1600-h/DSC_1469%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1469" border="0" alt="DSC_1469" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S9TgBn-SMOI/AAAAAAAAAtU/91S7SiCf6DY/DSC_1469_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-45680628101872285692010-04-25T19:31:00.001-05:002010-04-25T19:31:32.419-05:00Three of a Kind<p>I wasn't exactly “planning” on having three boys…but now that they are here I love it!  They love each other so much and I love watching them play together.  Since Charlie and Henry are both still in diapers, I normally change them at the same time.  They look at each other and giggle.</p> <p>Jackson and Charlie are a hoot!  Those two have entirely too much fun.  Whether it is making a “vehicle” out of cardboard boxes and driving each other around, or stirring up pretend potions in our backyard in their respective boots – those two are having the time of their lives and I’m just happy to be around to see it!</p> <p>Cheers!</p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S9Te4aqsknI/AAAAAAAAAtE/MocfM7odxNA/s1600-h/DSC_1524%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_1524" border="0" alt="DSC_1524" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S9Te43PYHyI/AAAAAAAAAtI/9xilISrpzgQ/DSC_1524_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-64436606954908046712010-04-13T11:36:00.023-05:002010-04-13T19:32:55.152-05:00Arizona BiltmoreSpending all day in the hot dusty sun, we were ready to kick off our cowboy boots and relax! We headed to our final destination -- Phoenix Arizona. Brian was speaking at a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">CLE</span> at the Arizona <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Biltmore</span>. <a href="http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/">http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/</a>. The Resort is gorgeous. We essentially went from the wild west to 1930's Great Gatsby style. I loved everything about the resort from the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired architecture, the manicured lawns and beautiful gardens, the incredible pools to the myriad of activities for families. We particularly enjoyed playing checkers/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">chess</span> in the garden and roasting <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">marshmellows</span> for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">s'mores</span> at night.<br /><br />While Brian presented at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">CLE</span>, the boys and I enjoyed our morning walks around the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Biltmore</span> Estates. The "Estates" are mansions located around the golf course. Each mansion looked different, but they were all meticulously maintained and had beautiful gardens. Apparently roses grow quite well in Arizona (as opposed to Illinois). I loved looking and smelling all the roses along our walk. It reminded me of my rose garden in Washington.<br /><br />After our walks we would head to the pool. Jackson made a lot of new friends. The main pool area had three pools -- one with a big slide, one by the cabana bar and another pool with a hot tub. Surrounding the pools were private cabanas complete with misting water to keep the guests cool.<br /><br />Eventually the boys got tired and we'd go back to the room to clean up and get ready for dinner. The first night we ate at Frank and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alberts</span> on the resort. The garden chess board was right next to our outdoor table, so the boys played while we waited for our food. Jackson actually played the games, but Charlie had a ball kicking the pieces and running around like a maniac. Henry, thank goodness, is still in the "purse stage" and isn't mobile -- yet.<br /><br />After dinner we walked the grounds. The Arizona <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Biltmore</span> is quite charming. Lights are strung on the trees, fire pits are lit, and people settle into the Adirondack chairs, which surround the main fountain, and sip their glasses of wine while people watching. The boys made <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">s'mores</span> and took a few bags of popcorn back up to the room for a late night snack.<br /><br />I loved the Arizona <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Biltmore</span>. I only wish we had more time! I would love to go back (with or without the kids) to play tennis, hike up <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Camelback</span> Mountain, shop and spend more time in the sun.<br /><br /><br />Enjoy the pictures!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SgyHWpqKI/AAAAAAAAAsg/e2mbgYi8UZI/s1600/DSC_1303.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459665431107840162" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SgyHWpqKI/AAAAAAAAAsg/e2mbgYi8UZI/s320/DSC_1303.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Henry-- all smiles to be in the sun -- and out of the car!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SgjXR2TNI/AAAAAAAAAsY/GidTUE1TKxs/s1600/DSC_1385.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459665177684626642" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SgjXR2TNI/AAAAAAAAAsY/GidTUE1TKxs/s320/DSC_1385.JPG" /></a><br /><br />A view of our wing of the resort. Note the chairs lining the garden/fountain area.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SgThpE95I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/1XMOpKeQRVo/s1600/DSC_1354.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459664905588504466" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SgThpE95I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/1XMOpKeQRVo/s320/DSC_1354.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Jackson and mommy in the evening by the fountain.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SgHksvxEI/AAAAAAAAAsI/U2vxIU3rqCQ/s1600/DSC_1373.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459664700250768450" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SgHksvxEI/AAAAAAAAAsI/U2vxIU3rqCQ/s320/DSC_1373.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Jackson with some roses on our walk through the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Biltmore</span> Estates.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8Sf6q0fqgI/AAAAAAAAAsA/M6yByPONh6A/s1600/DSC_1376.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459664478555580930" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8Sf6q0fqgI/AAAAAAAAAsA/M6yByPONh6A/s320/DSC_1376.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Some of the gardens at the Arizona <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bilmore</span>.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SfwFvu6CI/AAAAAAAAAr4/yZLBfan4zmU/s1600/DSC_1379.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459664296804804642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SfwFvu6CI/AAAAAAAAAr4/yZLBfan4zmU/s320/DSC_1379.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Jackson and Henry in the gardens -- I love them in blue!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SfllfvbtI/AAAAAAAAArw/oECrvw6lKWM/s1600/DSC_1392.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459664116349103826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SfllfvbtI/AAAAAAAAArw/oECrvw6lKWM/s320/DSC_1392.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Jackson, Charlie and Henry.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SfaMssQTI/AAAAAAAAAro/Vxc2dCMhFIM/s1600/DSC_1397.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459663920713974066" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SfaMssQTI/AAAAAAAAAro/Vxc2dCMhFIM/s320/DSC_1397.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Mommy and her boys.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SfOB_Um2I/AAAAAAAAArg/fj788i2leBA/s1600/DSC_1401.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459663711680895842" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SfOB_Um2I/AAAAAAAAArg/fj788i2leBA/s320/DSC_1401.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Enjoying a stroll in the gardens.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SfEox9sXI/AAAAAAAAArY/5N7AAAADU4Q/s1600/DSC_1402.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459663550295159154" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SfEox9sXI/AAAAAAAAArY/5N7AAAADU4Q/s320/DSC_1402.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Playing chess/checkers.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8Se2X9_hTI/AAAAAAAAArQ/pTGUN6lm2w0/s1600/DSC_1430.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459663305264039218" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8Se2X9_hTI/AAAAAAAAArQ/pTGUN6lm2w0/s320/DSC_1430.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Jackson -- check mate!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SeqsM7TmI/AAAAAAAAArI/vL8zfXEvsYw/s1600/DSC_1454.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459663104536956514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SeqsM7TmI/AAAAAAAAArI/vL8zfXEvsYw/s320/DSC_1454.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Nightly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">s'mores</span>.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SeipkHVUI/AAAAAAAAArA/sV0wMIvlnMM/s1600/DSC_1298.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459662966389953858" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SeipkHVUI/AAAAAAAAArA/sV0wMIvlnMM/s320/DSC_1298.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Jackson by the slide at night.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SeZk5x1QI/AAAAAAAAAq4/6ysii4o-BB8/s1600/DSC_1310.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459662810519819522" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SeZk5x1QI/AAAAAAAAAq4/6ysii4o-BB8/s320/DSC_1310.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Charlie relaxing poolside with his "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">nite</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">nite</span>" (blanket from Grandma).<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SeMvbNVwI/AAAAAAAAAqw/vIArFNqvfMo/s1600/DSC_1320.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459662590006089474" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SeMvbNVwI/AAAAAAAAAqw/vIArFNqvfMo/s320/DSC_1320.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Jackson and Charlie. They would stroll around the pools once or twice a day "chit chatting" with everyone. My kids have never met a stranger.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SeCbw6vII/AAAAAAAAAqo/5wGUYi3P21w/s1600/DSC_1322.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459662412929744002" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SeCbw6vII/AAAAAAAAAqo/5wGUYi3P21w/s320/DSC_1322.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Waiting for dinner at Frank and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alberts</span>. A band was playing outside and Jackson asked me to dance. We had a wonderful evening.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8Sd3j3ZMRI/AAAAAAAAAqg/lZzH898ruxQ/s1600/DSC_1326.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459662226125828370" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8Sd3j3ZMRI/AAAAAAAAAqg/lZzH898ruxQ/s320/DSC_1326.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Mommy and her boys!<br /><br />Sadly, our trip had to come to an end. We spent our Sunday and Monday driving 2/3 of the county to get back to Peoria -- a feat nonetheless with three kids, two of which are under 2. While we originally had planned to stop off at the Grand Canyon, we opted to save that experience for another time -- perhaps when we have more time. We made it from Phoenix to Amarillo, Texas on Sunday (arriving at midnight). On Monday, we traveled another 13 hours through Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Illinois. We hit St. Louis at sunset. The arch was lit up in the sun's pink light. It was very pretty.<br /><br /><strong>All said: 8 days, 6 states, 5 hotels, 3 time zones and 3939.2 miles! What a great trip!</strong><br /><br /><br />We saw a lot of country. Brian and I both <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">agree</span> that the drive through Missouri is probably the prettiest. I would say that the drive through Oklahoma is my least favorite, although there is a stretch of I-10 through Southern Texas, which is relatively boring as well. One thing is sure -- this is a BIG country with a lot of land. There is no shortage.<br /><br />We love our road trips. We have more planned! Perhaps a drive through New England in the fall? For now...a trip from Illinois to Washington is more likely. Now back to planning!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8UA_3ZvshI/AAAAAAAAAsw/ZQsuPGh-d90/s1600/photo%5B1%5D+(2).jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459771220460286482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8UA_3ZvshI/AAAAAAAAAsw/ZQsuPGh-d90/s320/photo%5B1%5D+(2).jpg" /></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-75311433318810897222010-04-13T10:58:00.020-05:002010-04-13T19:18:11.475-05:00TombstoneAfter visiting San Antonio, we drove I-10 all the way to Las Cruces, New Mexico. We stopped off at a designer boot store in El Paso, Texas and mommy got a pair of "cowgirl" boots. We tried to find Jackson a pair, but they didn't have his size. Needless to say...he was devastated. However, the next day we visited Tombstone, Arizona and found a pair of cowboy boots for Jackson. Crisis averted! <a href="http://www.cityoftombstone.com/">http://www.cityoftombstone.com/</a><br /><br />In Tombstone, the boys got to visit the old western town complete with shootouts, saloons and wagons. Jackson showed off his new boots to passersby and Charlie had a blast checking out the statues of Indians and Cowboys.<br /><br />We arrived in town at the perfect time. There was a shootout at the OK Corral with Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday and their gang fighting Billy the Kid and his gang. While watching the shootout in town, Charlie yelled out: "Ow" and "Oh No!" as the men eventually fell to the ground dying. The only ones left standing were Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday as they scooped up their fellow compatriots and headed to the infirmary for medical attention.<br /><br />We went into Big Nose Kate's saloon for lunch. This was the saloon where Vernon Earp (Wyatt's brother) was killed after a poker game went bad. There was a piano player that LOVED Charlie and it had the longest, cherrywood, hand-carved bar in the Western US. There were cowboys and authentic townsfolk sitting about us "foreigners" as we ate our meal. We felt like we were actually in the 1800s! It was amazing.<br /><br />Henry spent most of his time taking a little cowboy nap. The trip to Tombstone was definitely worth the trip! We all had a great time.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8ScEBoLS7I/AAAAAAAAAqY/texiUcGqLhM/s1600/DSC_1249.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459660241250241458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8ScEBoLS7I/AAAAAAAAAqY/texiUcGqLhM/s320/DSC_1249.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8Sb3suz8GI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/SRhuFU7H4_8/s1600/DSC_1251.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459660029482496098" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8Sb3suz8GI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/SRhuFU7H4_8/s320/DSC_1251.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SbtyEi3XI/AAAAAAAAAqI/bpHB0UjNFJ8/s1600/DSC_1254.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459659859117137266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SbtyEi3XI/AAAAAAAAAqI/bpHB0UjNFJ8/s320/DSC_1254.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SZXAMZpNI/AAAAAAAAAqA/8k5VTMyxzu0/s1600/DSC_1272.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459657268747936978" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SZXAMZpNI/AAAAAAAAAqA/8k5VTMyxzu0/s320/DSC_1272.JPG" /></a><br />Jackson with the Earp/Holiday gang! Doc is far left and Wyatt is third from the left.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SZKdaiGMI/AAAAAAAAAp4/NXqRenV-uvw/s1600/DSC_1276.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459657053253540034" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SZKdaiGMI/AAAAAAAAAp4/NXqRenV-uvw/s320/DSC_1276.JPG" /></a><br />Walking down Main Street. Thankfully the "High Noon" shootout was already over.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SY-8wytUI/AAAAAAAAApw/GrRSyhxo-pU/s1600/DSC_1286.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459656855509972290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SY-8wytUI/AAAAAAAAApw/GrRSyhxo-pU/s320/DSC_1286.JPG" /></a><br />Charlie grooving to the music at Big Nose Kate's Saloon.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SY0L-H4gI/AAAAAAAAApo/-Ahpv46Mnh8/s1600/DSC_1288.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459656670613856770" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SY0L-H4gI/AAAAAAAAApo/-Ahpv46Mnh8/s320/DSC_1288.JPG" /></a><br />Lunch for the cowboy at Big Nose Kate's<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SYrrXPPMI/AAAAAAAAApg/wdM5LiVs8fg/s1600/DSC_1289.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459656524421872834" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SYrrXPPMI/AAAAAAAAApg/wdM5LiVs8fg/s320/DSC_1289.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SYg8_k60I/AAAAAAAAApY/a3oY-FMOFss/s1600/DSC_1293.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459656340175907650" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SYg8_k60I/AAAAAAAAApY/a3oY-FMOFss/s320/DSC_1293.JPG" /></a><br />Outlaw Charlie "Fast Foot" Lewallen caught alive for a reward of $1000.00. Escaped 10 minutes later and is still at large. Warning this outlaw is considered dangerous and will spill paint with reckless abandon.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SYXqor_nI/AAAAAAAAApQ/Rx7WtPkYMqw/s1600/DSC_1295.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459656180629241458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SYXqor_nI/AAAAAAAAApQ/Rx7WtPkYMqw/s320/DSC_1295.JPG" /></a><br />Jackson loving his new boots with gold tips.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-37569968887754130002010-04-13T10:52:00.004-05:002010-04-13T19:21:10.871-05:00Grandpa Saunders<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8UKHVOBdOI/AAAAAAAAAs4/FLgwRhfoL18/s1600/DSC_1232.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459781244327916770" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8UKHVOBdOI/AAAAAAAAAs4/FLgwRhfoL18/s320/DSC_1232.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br />While in San Antonio, we headed to the northside of the city to see Brian's grandpa. He's 93 years old but looks and acts like he is 80 at the most. He works out 4 days a week, still drives, keeps an immaculate house and dresses great (his shoes are spit shined perfectly).<br /><br />We spent some time at his home and then headed to The Barn Door for dinner. Great authentic Tex-Mex fare. My steak salad was perfect and the fresh baked dinner rolls were a big hit for Jackson and Charlie.<br /><br />Jackson was really thankful to see his great-grandfather. I was thrilled to talk to him - he was charasmatic about many stories from his life. We sat back and listened to him talk about his life in the Air Force and flying bombers in WWII. He shared great stories about life in Madrid, Spain (where he saw Ernest Hemingway at a bullfight) and flying in the Berlin Airlift. His eyes lit up when we asked questions about when he met grandma (Marie - who passed about 15 years ago). They met at a dance in Concord, MA on New Years Eve. He didn't know why he went to the dance that night - but was sure glad that he did!<br /><br />Grandpa shared a brillant story about taking his family on a vacation through the French Alps one year. His Packard blew a piston rod shortly into the Alps. They were stranded in an isolated, small french town while the local "service station" mailed away for a new rod (back to the US). Two weeks later - the rod arrived and the car was fixed! It was news for the entire town that a mechanic was able to fix an American car in his garage. Grandpa herded the kids back in the car and headed directly back to Spain. So much for a French vacation!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SUUD65KbI/AAAAAAAAApA/r8mSraXZEBg/s1600/DSC_1221.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459651720650500530" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SUUD65KbI/AAAAAAAAApA/r8mSraXZEBg/s320/DSC_1221.JPG" /></a></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-7189962822302631032010-04-13T10:48:00.005-05:002010-04-13T10:52:04.663-05:00Texas hats and hornsAfter spending the night and morning at the Great Wolf Lodge, we geared up for a "quick" ride down to San Antonio. Henry was ready with his cowboy hat! <br /><br />We also enjoyed seeing the longhorned cows!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SSwR7qNEI/AAAAAAAAAo4/Bk_u_p0c4Bw/s1600/DSC_1093.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SSwR7qNEI/AAAAAAAAAo4/Bk_u_p0c4Bw/s320/DSC_1093.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459650006424892482" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SSn0RZglI/AAAAAAAAAow/RTTiHS3f_2g/s1600/DSC_1092.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SSn0RZglI/AAAAAAAAAow/RTTiHS3f_2g/s320/DSC_1092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459649861024055890" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SSf4BSiRI/AAAAAAAAAoo/YAKGJpIPdw0/s1600/DSC_1088.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SSf4BSiRI/AAAAAAAAAoo/YAKGJpIPdw0/s320/DSC_1088.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459649724591278354" /></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-52991426214209740292010-04-13T10:38:00.017-05:002010-04-13T17:26:45.117-05:00The Alamo 2010We had a great time visiting the Alamo. The boys loved running around and looking at the cactus, the cannons, Bowie knives, short-stock single barreled muskets and all things "boy". We visited the "Six Flags" monument of the Alamo - which gives the name to the Six Flags amusement park. Jackson really liked looking at all the old copper and tin keys that opened all the doors throughout the compound. We treated the boys with a couple of Texas Ranger badges at the end of our visit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thealamo.org/history.html">http://www.thealamo.org/history.html</a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SRsDNqbtI/AAAAAAAAAog/uApe5vr96_E/s1600/DSC_1164.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459648834242768594" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SRsDNqbtI/AAAAAAAAAog/uApe5vr96_E/s320/DSC_1164.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SRhW9jugI/AAAAAAAAAoY/bEzXyX_S8vI/s1600/DSC_1162.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459648650565368322" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SRhW9jugI/AAAAAAAAAoY/bEzXyX_S8vI/s320/DSC_1162.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Jackson inspecting the cannons. At one point Jackson was at one end and Charlie at the other and they were yelling into the cannon. Hilarious.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SRYPGvxuI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/3wkbakxODIg/s1600/DSC_1158.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459648493837600482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SRYPGvxuI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/3wkbakxODIg/s320/DSC_1158.JPG" /></a><br />We got the whole family in the picture, however, the top of the Alamo was cut off.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SRP-X-JmI/AAAAAAAAAoI/UaPy0vOD-so/s1600/DSC_1156.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459648351907489378" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SRP-X-JmI/AAAAAAAAAoI/UaPy0vOD-so/s320/DSC_1156.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Jackson, mommy and Charlie at the Alamo.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SRDXY3n0I/AAAAAAAAAoA/yylY2PBbeec/s1600/DSC_1153.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459648135283842882" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SRDXY3n0I/AAAAAAAAAoA/yylY2PBbeec/s320/DSC_1153.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Jackson and Charlie had so much fun running up and down a side corridor that connected the Alamo to the main garden.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SQ53J0qFI/AAAAAAAAAn4/WG7q-Fsb6KI/s1600/DSC_1142.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459647972011976786" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SQ53J0qFI/AAAAAAAAAn4/WG7q-Fsb6KI/s320/DSC_1142.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SQyB-ZDrI/AAAAAAAAAnw/--HtP9Tb-AM/s1600/DSC_1141.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459647837477867186" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SQyB-ZDrI/AAAAAAAAAnw/--HtP9Tb-AM/s320/DSC_1141.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Texas is a proud State -- you see the Texas Star on just about everything.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SQnn849DI/AAAAAAAAAno/M1gip1bA21c/s1600/DSC_1139.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459647658693555250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SQnn849DI/AAAAAAAAAno/M1gip1bA21c/s320/DSC_1139.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SQeIjNS4I/AAAAAAAAAng/Fpp-k_Tfaxg/s1600/DSC_1137.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459647495645514626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SQeIjNS4I/AAAAAAAAAng/Fpp-k_Tfaxg/s320/DSC_1137.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SQTzIGM9I/AAAAAAAAAnY/y6VH3f6MqQo/s1600/DSC_1130.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459647318095967186" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SQTzIGM9I/AAAAAAAAAnY/y6VH3f6MqQo/s320/DSC_1130.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Jackson appeard to be more impressed with the cactus than the Alamo!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SQKQOBY5I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/gMpCKeUMxB0/s1600/DSC_1128.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459647154106753938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SQKQOBY5I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/gMpCKeUMxB0/s320/DSC_1128.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Charlie with his Davy Crockett hat on. Too cute!Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-23934305256526653992010-04-13T10:21:00.012-05:002010-04-13T16:13:28.672-05:00San Antonio--Riverwalk, Hotel and MercadoFrom Dallas our next stop on our spring break road trip was San Antonio. The four hour drive took us through Burleson, Texas (My mom's maiden name is Burleson) as well as Waco, Texas, where Grandpa Frank Burleson grew up.<br /><br />Upon reaching San Antonio, we found our hotel: El Tropicano. The hotel, located on the famous Riverwalk, was straight out of the 1950's. It was so retro that it was back in style again! <a href="http://www.eltropicanohotel.com/">http://www.eltropicanohotel.com/</a><br /><br />After a walk along the Riverwalk, we headed to El Mercado (San Antonio's Historic Market District) for some authentic Mexican food. We ate at the famous Mi Tierra restaurant. Any president visiting this city eats here at least once - and there is a wall of fame to prove it. The boys had a blast looking at all the decorations, listening to the live mariachi music and taking in the wonderful smells of fresh baked sweets. <a href="http://www.mitierracafe.com/">http://www.mitierracafe.com/</a><br /><br />We walked back to the hotel along the Riverwalk and enjoyed a late night swim in our swanky hotel pool.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SPxzZovII/AAAAAAAAAnI/nm0CU5WPd2U/s1600/DSC_1124.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459646734053981314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SPxzZovII/AAAAAAAAAnI/nm0CU5WPd2U/s320/DSC_1124.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SPCwU3FvI/AAAAAAAAAnA/IERX4pGPm98/s1600/DSC_1109.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459645925774792434" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SPCwU3FvI/AAAAAAAAAnA/IERX4pGPm98/s320/DSC_1109.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SMncDnL-I/AAAAAAAAAm4/x2vMui5zqfM/s1600/DSC_1104.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459643257454014434" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SMncDnL-I/AAAAAAAAAm4/x2vMui5zqfM/s320/DSC_1104.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SMYcuh9DI/AAAAAAAAAmw/Zx50SeFL7o8/s1600/CSC_1219.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459642999935988786" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SMYcuh9DI/AAAAAAAAAmw/Zx50SeFL7o8/s320/CSC_1219.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SMScBkNEI/AAAAAAAAAmo/5SpFdcHxumc/s1600/CSC_1217.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459642896668177474" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SMScBkNEI/AAAAAAAAAmo/5SpFdcHxumc/s320/CSC_1217.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SMLkaDy8I/AAAAAAAAAmg/p7ARVjo2Tug/s1600/CSC_1215.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459642778659310530" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SMLkaDy8I/AAAAAAAAAmg/p7ARVjo2Tug/s320/CSC_1215.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SMFQALjxI/AAAAAAAAAmY/ojOGdnBAGF4/s1600/CSC_1214.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459642670102843154" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SMFQALjxI/AAAAAAAAAmY/ojOGdnBAGF4/s320/CSC_1214.JPG" /></a><a href="http://www.mitierracafe.com/"></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-40855202534537262902010-04-13T10:11:00.008-05:002010-04-13T17:19:27.517-05:00Great Wolf Lodge -- Dallas, TexasOur spring break road trip was a blast! We spent a lot of time in the car, but the kids did great. After driving 12 hours from Peoria to Dallas, Texas, we enjoyed a much needed break at the indoor water park. The boys LOVED the bunk bed set up in the room and had fun playing in the water.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/">http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SLeoFXUZI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/yQa5a4JgpRQ/s1600/DSC_1071.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459642006552138130" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SLeoFXUZI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/yQa5a4JgpRQ/s320/DSC_1071.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SLTBlGQBI/AAAAAAAAAmI/LCNukCydNso/s1600/DSC_1046.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459641807237693458" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SLTBlGQBI/AAAAAAAAAmI/LCNukCydNso/s320/DSC_1046.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SJ5VhB1_I/AAAAAAAAAl4/Ok4GvqYKKno/s1600/DSC_1031.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459640266401110002" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SJ5VhB1_I/AAAAAAAAAl4/Ok4GvqYKKno/s320/DSC_1031.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SK-UjmgvI/AAAAAAAAAmA/kNPBA88hzD4/s1600/DSC_1059.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459641451554439922" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SK-UjmgvI/AAAAAAAAAmA/kNPBA88hzD4/s320/DSC_1059.JPG" /></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-80341413961500499982010-04-13T10:07:00.006-05:002010-04-13T10:11:30.810-05:00"Yardwork"The weather has finally warmed up in Peoria. They boys had a blast playing outside last week, and kept themselves busy while mom and dad packed for the road trip.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SJXUei5fI/AAAAAAAAAlw/KdxewW7VKuw/s1600/DSC_0999.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SJXUei5fI/AAAAAAAAAlw/KdxewW7VKuw/s320/DSC_0999.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459639682006705650" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SJOh5k9TI/AAAAAAAAAlo/I5pbZ-7srRo/s1600/DSC_1013.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SJOh5k9TI/AAAAAAAAAlo/I5pbZ-7srRo/s320/DSC_1013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459639530990925106" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SJD-CLKVI/AAAAAAAAAlg/Uwx9qlNm7zA/s1600/DSC_1004.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SJD-CLKVI/AAAAAAAAAlg/Uwx9qlNm7zA/s320/DSC_1004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459639349564614994" /></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-1465724083992700172010-04-13T09:51:00.004-05:002010-04-13T10:06:47.970-05:00Henry's BaptismHenry was baptized at the Easter Vigil Service. He did an amazing job. He didn't cry at all. He looked so handsome in his little suit. Here are a few pictures of the special occassion: <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SIDhRPIAI/AAAAAAAAAlY/fMcgfHcsb0Q/s1600/DSC_1026.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SIDhRPIAI/AAAAAAAAAlY/fMcgfHcsb0Q/s320/DSC_1026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459638242331533314" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SH2VcAS_I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/swLbT37I72A/s1600/DSC_1022.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SH2VcAS_I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/swLbT37I72A/s320/DSC_1022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459638015817174002" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SFUK3AFMI/AAAAAAAAAlI/zjQ2GUspd40/s1600/DSC_1015.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S8SFUK3AFMI/AAAAAAAAAlI/zjQ2GUspd40/s320/DSC_1015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459635229838808258" /></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-56116950702659341862010-04-02T20:50:00.002-05:002010-04-02T22:26:59.335-05:00Easter Eve 2010<p>This Easter has been very special for us.  For the past 7 months Brian and I have taken every Monday night to attend RCIA (Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults).  </p> <p>Our journey has been a long one…over the course of several years, and culminating in intense study the past 7 months. Our trek towards union with the Church ends tomorrow night at the Easter Vigil service! Henry will be baptized along with our final rites being taken.  </p> <p>We have amazing sponsors, who have been with us every Monday night and explaining any and all questions we’ve had about the faith.</p> <p>We are very excited.  This is a very special time for our family. Tomorrow ends one journey and starts another. We look forward, with great anticipation, to deepening our faith and community in the one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church!   </p> <p>Happy Good Friday and Easter Weekend!</p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S7ae1l06DhI/AAAAAAAAAlA/MYEoAKoKD90/s1600-h/DSC_0970%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0970" border="0" alt="DSC_0970" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S7ae11KXp4I/AAAAAAAAAlE/iJcwWivDA4g/DSC_0970_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-11952823238462482112010-04-02T20:44:00.001-05:002010-04-02T20:44:37.535-05:00“Egg”stra special!<p>Dying Easter Eggs has been a several day process.  Tonight, “we” finally got to decorate our eggs.  “We” means Jackson, mom and dad.  </p> <p>Henry and Charlie had to go to bed on time…and frankly, after the paint and the syrup episodes from Charlie I was not inclined to give him an egg, dye, or anything that could break easily or leave indelible marks.   </p> <p>Jackson did an outstanding job painting our eggs with Washington “Ws” for the Huskies!  Go Dawgs!  More pictures to follow!</p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S7adgspMYQI/AAAAAAAAAk4/kJ74BWDE1Uc/s1600-h/DSC_0972%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0972" border="0" alt="DSC_0972" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S7adhGwxdCI/AAAAAAAAAk8/DjqDZsTe5Mg/DSC_0972_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-29530141465143009602010-03-30T13:40:00.002-05:002010-03-30T17:48:11.343-05:00CHEESE!<p>Charlie loves having his picture taken – even when he’s not feeling well.  After I discovered blood in his ear, we took him back to the doctor.  He has a double ear infection with possible ear drum rupture.  Charlie wiggled so much they couldn’t tell if it actually ruptured.  I now have the pleasure of going back to the doctor on Saturday to find out.</p> <p>For now, his already impish character has been made worse by the pain.  We had a small “food fight” this afternoon, followed by some chair slamming and general protests.</p> <p>Needless to say…I’ve looked into and signed up for two year old preschool starting in September.   </p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S7JFrTALGHI/AAAAAAAAAkw/15VzTuBbqVc/s1600-h/DSC_0968%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0968" border="0" alt="DSC_0968" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S7JFr1EW25I/AAAAAAAAAk0/8d4ao5CWgbM/DSC_0968_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-60388648984222457362010-03-30T13:35:00.001-05:002010-03-30T13:35:49.112-05:00Baby Blue Eyes<p>Henry Thatcher has the bluest eyes!  Such a change from the dark chocolate and dark green/brown his brothers have.  I can’t tell if Henry’s hair is getting darker or if it will stay lighter with reddish highlights like Jackson.</p> <p>The funny thing about this picture is that while I was taking it, Charlie was yelling across the room:  “CHEESE!”  I looked across and there he was—smiling and waiting for me to take his picture. </p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S7JEgcMFlmI/AAAAAAAAAko/HhFBudW_zmk/s1600-h/DSC_0965%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0965" border="0" alt="DSC_0965" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S7JEhLCncII/AAAAAAAAAks/x6np9kxDF8A/DSC_0965_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-36492836692321918342010-03-30T13:32:00.001-05:002010-03-30T13:32:03.770-05:00Bigger every day<p>Henry must be starting to get some teeth.  I tried a very long time to get a cute shot of him smiling without his hands in his mouth.</p> <p>This one is pretty cute.  </p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S7JDof5PJTI/AAAAAAAAAkc/ZS8E-tpUuZY/s1600-h/DSC_0960%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0960" border="0" alt="DSC_0960" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S7JDokGxIJI/AAAAAAAAAkg/ZCAt7o8IBck/DSC_0960_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a> Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257387285903760372.post-91167521689708377852010-03-29T08:56:00.001-05:002010-03-29T08:56:03.348-05:00Boots<p> Charlie loves to wear his rain boots (and Jackson’s).  Today he was very upset when Jackson and Brian were leaving for school and work.  He ran to our shoe basket and put on these boots in hopes of going with them.  </p> <p>All morning long he’s been handing me his shoes as if to say “let’s go!”  However, he’s still sick so it’s another day indoors.</p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S7CxcXK6w3I/AAAAAAAAAkU/nsY08VXsyFo/s1600-h/DSC_0967%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0967" border="0" alt="DSC_0967" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_te-uAjfYWfs/S7CxcpB6MMI/AAAAAAAAAkY/azt5toHDNmw/DSC_0967_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a> Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476742676280135897noreply@blogger.com0